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In response to the briefing from the Competition and Markets Authority on proposed reforms:

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“These reforms have the potential to be a huge step forward for consumers.

“As our super-complaint to the CMA made clear, for too long the balance of power has been tipped in favour of business not consumers.

“The proposals set out today could unshackle regulators and give them the authority they need to better protect consumers by putting their interests first.

“The government have already promised consumer legislation in the first half of this year – we hope they listen to the CMA and set out a clear plan.

“But regulators must not sit on their hands as they wait for new laws to be passed. They must use their existing powers to stop the most blatant rip offs such as the loyalty penalty and overcharging vulnerable consumers.”